For Release
May 25, 2006
Regina, Saskatchewan — The Governments of
Canada and Saskatchewan are investing a shared contribution of $132,000
that supports the University of Regina and Regina Regional Economic
Development Authority’s vision to create a Technology Innovation
Centre.
The objective is to create a centre of excellence to house entrepreneurs,
researchers, students and businesses to foster greater collaboration
amongst all parties that will take made-in-Saskatchewan ideas and
inventions to market. The proposed location for the Centre is the
Regina Research Park, located on the same grounds as the university.
The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and
Minister of Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable
Eric Cline, Minister of Saskatchewan Industry and Resources (SIR)
today confirmed their support for further study of the project.
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan agreed to consider a
larger investment from the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic
Partnership Agreement (WEPA) based on the outcome of this project.
“The Government of Canada supports investments in research
and development to diversify Saskatchewan’s economy and create
long-term prosperity for all Canadians,” said Minister Skelton.
“We have confidence in the ingenuity and talents of Saskatchewan
people.”
“Extending our success in research and innovation is part
of our new economic action plan to tap into the knowledge-based
economy,” said Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline.
“Supporting the Technology Innovation Centre will create the
path for technologies to move from the labs to businesses and homes.”
“The Technology Innovation Centre would connect students
and faculty with investors and business people, resulting in successful
commercial opportunities and jobs,” said University of Regina
President Robert Hawkins. “This synergy will help keep innovative
young people at home in Saskatchewan and enable them to build a
knowledge-driven economy.”
"Innovation is a key wealth generator and business differentiator.
The Innovation Centre will be a catalyst for both business and the
research community in growing Saskatchewan,” said RREDA President
and CEO Larry Hiles.
The next step in the development of the project will focus on the
development of the governance and staffing models and the role of
the private sector. The Centre will maximize the Saskatchewan advantage
at the University of Regina as a centre of excellence in the area
of energy, environment and informatics.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Todd MacKay
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic
Diversification
Tel: (306) 780-8236
Bob Ellis
Director of Public Affairs
Saskatchewan Industry &
Resources
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 787-1691
Fax: (306) 787-8447
Jim Duggleby
External Relations
University of Regina
Tel: (306) 585-5439
Fax: (306) 585-4997
Cell: (306) 536-4312
E-mail: james.duggleby@uregina.ca
